Supporters Of Mass. Transgender Law Geared Up For Fight Over Ballot Question

Supporters of the Massachusetts law that gives public protections to transgender people are gearing up for what they expect will be a tough fight over a legal challenge to the law on the ballot in November.

The referendum on the transgender law passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed by Baker in 2016 will appear as Question 3 on the ballot.

Mason Dunn is with the group Freedom For All, which is working to prevent the law's repeal.

"We are canvassing door to door every weekend," Dunn said. "We are hosting phone banks and we are talking to the public about who transgender people are and why these protections are so important and then from there moving to a 'Yes on 3' message."

Opponents say the law presents dangers, especially in public restrooms.

"We're looking forward to making sure that all the voters in Massachusetts know that this is happening and this is going on and we need to repeal the law and go back to the legislature and start from scratch and make a better law," said Yvette Ollada, spokesperson for the group Keep MA Safe.

A "yes" vote would keep in place the law, which prohibits discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations, including public restrooms and locker rooms. A "no" vote would repeal the law.

A WBUR poll in late May found that a slim majority of voters want to preserve the law.